NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — The Gats River which runs through Nieu-Bethesda is fed by two tributaries.
One has its catchment area towards the North-West of the village which feeds the spring on Doornberg. This is the spring after which Nieu-Bethesda was
named - the Biblical spring at Bethesda. The other tributary is fed by the
steep slopes of Compassberg to the North. The spring has not dried up in living history, but villagers kept a worried eye on it this summer as temperatures soared and rain continued to stay away. The spring is captured high up the valley and fed into an intricate system of furrows that are then led into the village. Various plots have water rights and have permission to lead the water into their properties at specific times during the week.
Water rights are fiercely protected and the furrows are well maintained to protect and nurture the precious water that babbles through the village.
The furrows are ancient and picturesque and are the life-giving blood of Nieu-Bethesda.
It is no wonder, that late one evening, excited villagers proclaimed on facebook and on phones that the river was running again! The sound of the Gats arriving is one that fills the heart with delight. The smell of the loamy water brings feelings of rejuvenation and joy. The broiling mass of brown water brings hope and life and new beginnings to our parched semi-desert environment.
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